Bottlenecks at some ports drive carriers into interesting discussions

INTTRA, the world's largest multi-carrier e-commerce network for ocean shipping, published a list of top rated ocean carriers recetnly. The top 5 lines, based on shipment quality data are:

1. APL
2. United Arab Shipping Company (UASC)
3. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)
4. CSAV Group
5. Safmarine

This ranking comes as container volumes have increased, and manufacturing is on the incline in the United States. An increased volume of containers has caused delays and bottlenecks during the summer months in certain markets. As of this week, Melbourne has seen carriers engage in talks with other steamship lines to discuss alliances which would make Melbourne the hub of Australia. In other words, making one port call in the country instead of several, with boxes distributed around the country by smaller coastal shipping services.